Tuning in: On TV this week.

ByM.S. MasonFebruary 4, 2005

The 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards(TNT, 8 p.m.): The SAG awards are judged by actors, so there's plenty to learn from this ceremony about what constitutes a fine performance. Awards are given for ensemble casts as well as individual performances in film and TV. Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Annette Bening, and other stars will present the awards.

Sunday, Feb. 6

American Dad(Fox, 10:30 to 11 p.m.): First the Super Bowl, then the Simpsons special: "Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass," and finally a sneak peek at the midseason animated comedy, "American Dad." CIA operative Stan Smith helps his teenage son win his school presidency by force and fraud. The satirical political content makes it (sometimes) funny for adults, but crude jokes make it unsuitable as family fare.

Tuesday, Feb. 8

Gilmore Girls: Wedding Bell Blues(The WB, 8 to 9 p.m.): After a trial separation, Emily and Richard Gilmore decide to renew their wedding vows with all the glamour of a socialite first wedding. Stunning as the arrangements are, Emily goes too far in planning Lorelai's future. The repartee still rips, the mother-daughter affection stays intact - between Lorelai and daughter Rory, anyway. But woe unto Emily for her interference!

Slavery and the Making of America(PBS, check local listings, continues with Part II Feb. 16): Uncompromising and utterly riveting, this documentary includes the eloquent writings of enslaved women and men. The filmmakers point to the tragic paradox of a free nation that won its riches from slave labor.